When to change Timing Belt/Chain

I have a 2001 Venture with 124,000 km's(77,000 miles) on it. I don't know much about engines, but I've heard that you have to change your timing belt/chain at about 100,000 km's/miles. Is this correct? Is my venture due for a change then? What would my venture have a timing belt or a timing chain? I appreciate any help on us as I don't know much. I know how to change the oil in it, but that's about it.

Mike

I really haven't heard that one. Both of my Ventures went way past 100,000 miles with no issues concerning the timing chain. I've also seen many other Ventures well over 100,000 miles, many approaching 200,000 that still have the original timing chain in the engine. That is one of the more "reliable" parts on these vans, too bad the intake gaskets couldn't be more like that:lol:. Wait... maybe whoever said that meant the intake gaskets needed replacement around that mileage and not the timing chain? The intake gaskets are known to fail around that mileage time frame.

Cars with timing belts need to have them changed, usually at intervals anywhere from 60,000 to 75,000 miles. Failure to do so usually results in them breaking and the engine virtually destroying itself. This is why I don't buy cars with timing belts. Your Venture has a timing chain. They are very reliable and normally will last the life of your vehicle, and then some. In the rare instance that they do need replacement, they tend to develop play or jump a tooth -- either way, it rarely harms the engine -- it just adversely affects performance. It's really not something you need to worry about or even think about. But the above poster is correct about the faulty intake gaskets on these vehicles. Keep an eye on the coolant reservoir. If (or should I say "when"?) the level starts to drop suddenly without any apparent leak, or if you notice any coolant leak whatsoever, or if you notice sludge in the reservoir, get it to a good shop or dealer right away.

Thanks a lot for the info, I really appreciate it. One of the reasons I was asking is because my brother in law has a '99 VW bug and the timing belt went on his car and it cost him about $3,000 to fix the engine, because it was so screwed. Thanks again

Mike